FORUM FOCUS For Blandford and surrounding villages Issue No. 4
July 2012
Mini boom helps lift some of the business gloom by Nicci Brown WE may be in the middle of a recession but business in Blandford appears to be booming, with one leading employer this month celebrating the opening of multi-million new premises, and two 'micro-businesses' celebrating their success in a county awards scheme. Turn to page 2 for the opening of Hall & Woodhouse's 21st century brewhouse in Blandford St Mary, and find out on page 9 how two small businesses begun locally and both run by women were last month represented at the Dorset Women in Business Awards in Bournemouth. Finalist in the New Business of the Year category was Tracy Franklin with her pet-minding service, and winner of the top award was last year's winner of the Most Innovative PR Campaign, Su Cowell with her CobWebKnits supplying designer knitwear to the under-fives. Read on page 3 about the scheme to bring superfast broadband to business and residents along the route of the North Dorset Trailway.
The flame is on its way - P4
Support for hit-and-run victim Marie FRIENDS and family in Blandford are fundraising to help with the medical treatment of a former Blandford girl working as an artist in Los Angeles who suffered serious injuries in a hit and run accident. Marie Hardwick is the 24-year-old daughter of Pauline Rooney of The Plocks and a former Blandford School pupil who worked for the Spar shop in the Market Place. In March she was run over as she left the County Museum of Art in the Californian city by a car which did not stop and is believed to have been displaying no licence plates. Marie, whose father Ian Hardwick stayed at her bedside for days, had to undergo 11 hours of immediate surgery for internal bleeding, two Marie Hardwick (right) pictured when she was a pupil at The Blandford School.
Jubilee joy in Blandford (above) and Pimperne (below) was in evidence throughout the district to celebrate the Queen’s 60 years on the throne. Story and more pictures: Pages 6-7.
broken knee caps, ripped tendons and a smashed jaw and was expected to be laid up for several months. The local artist community and friends in Los Angeles have rallied round to help and fundraising is taking place in Blandford, where there was a jumble sale and coffee morning in the parish centre on 16th June and where the Spar shop organised a raffle of a Throne Chair in her support. There will be a further jumble sale at Youth Aid in the Anchor Gateway, Salisbury Street, from 9am on Saturday 7th July. Mrs Rooney, who works at the Nisa store in Heddington Drive, said: "I'm really grateful to Jess and Sally and staff at the Spar shop, and to Dave and Jenny Rake who organised the jumble sale at the parish centre. "Marie is now out of hospital, but she is going to need care for a long time. Thankfully I am able to keep in touch with her by email and Skype."
FORUM FOCUS: Your FREE monthly community newspaper for Blandford Forum and villages
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July 2012
ÂŁ5m brewhouse opened September 2011, was brought A NEW ÂŁ5 million brewhouse into operation in February but at the Blandford St Mary went unannounced because, brewery of Hall & Woodhouse as chairman Mark Woodhouse was officially opened with preput it: "We didn't want to be sentations and tours for staff inundated with comments that and shareholders, and a simithe beer tasted different." lar event for civic dignitaries three days later. But four months on, guests were able to see the new Managing director Anthony building in full production and Woodhouse said: "We are a have an explanation of the family company and consider much-increased capacity and ourselves custodians of the efficiency of the plant. business established in 1777, entrusted with responsible The brewery, which now Mark Woodhouse (right), Keith Booth, management of resources. We employs 1,500 across its estate, managing director of T Musk have to change with the times." rising seasonally to 2,000, not Engineering, and Hall & Woodhouse including a similar number of He paid tribute to the inspira- commercial director David French (left) tion of his late brother David exchange mementoes of the contract to staff employed by their business partners in pubs across the Woodhouse in drawing up supply and build the new brewhouse. south, was represented for the plans for the company's third first time at the Chelsea Flower new brewery in as many centuries, were a market leader. Show by a garden designed by and to Toby Heasman, recently He said the current state of the RHS Gold award winners John announced as head brewer of the economy and housing market Warland and Sim Flemons, and year at the all-party parliamentary meant they would not at this will again be represented by the annual beer awards dinner for his stage be progressing the further Badger Beer Garden at the RHS project management. redevelopment of the brewery site Hampton Court Palace Flower Mr Woodhouse outlined company which was first approved by North Show opening 3rd July. policy of closing unprofitable venDorset District Council in 2007. Staff and regulars at all 57 mantures to reinvest in its estate. He But parts of the premises have aged pubs set out on the compasaid they had to respond to the already become home to other ny's Founders Day, 15th June, to shrinking market for draft sales but users, including Hobbycraft. 'call time on litter' with a clean-up blossoming market and potential The brewhouse, built on time and of their own sites and other litter for bottled sales, in which they within target and completed in hotspots in their localities.
FORUM FOCUS THE deadline for the August edition is Friday 13th July, and the deadline for advertisement bookings is Wednesday 11th July, for distribution by Friday 27th July. Contact for editorial and artwork is Nicci Brown, 01258 459346 or email s.n.b@btinternet.com, and contact for advertising John Stayt, 01258 456999 or john.stayt@btinternet.com We welcome volunteers to help with production and with house-to-house delivery in all areas, and are still looking particularly for deliverers for parts of Blandford St Mary and Langton Road. Major drop points are the two Co-ops, Homebase and Colin's Community Club in Damory Street from where quantities may be available for collection to distribute in other areas, but please let us know if you are collecting for your street by calling Jackie Stayt on 01258 456999 or emailing jackiestayt@uwclub.net. See our website which is now live at www.forumfocus.co.uk
Blandford Forum Town Council ciation to our soldiers.
ROAD CLOSURES IN THE CENTRE OF BLANDFORD FORUM Currently there are two road closures planned during the month of July 2012, so please be mindful of this when travelling on the following days: Sunday 1st July 2012 - The centre of Blandford Forum from 2:30pm - 4:45pm involving East Street, the Market Place and the feeder roads of Church Lane after the car park (downwards) and Sheep Market Hill. There will also be a rolling street closure at the junction of Dorchester Hill, Bournemouth Road and West Street at the start (approximately 2:45pm) and the end (approximately 4:30pm) of the event to allow the military to march into and out of The Market Place. This closure is to facilitate a Freedom Parade by the Royal Corps of Signals in recognition of the 40th anniversary of them being granted the freedom of the town. Thursday 12th July 2012 - The centre of Blandford Forum from 9:00am to 1:00pm involving East Street, the Market Place and the feeder roads of Church Lane after the car park (downwards) and Sheep Market Hill. This closure is to allow the safe passage of the Olympic Torch as it passes
The Olympic Torch
through the town. There will also be a rolling road closure to allow the torch to pass through Blandford Forum and Blandford St Mary. The Olympic Torch route can be found on notice boards around the town or on the Town Council's website.
The Freedom Parade Please come and join us on Sunday 1st July 2012 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the granting of the Freedom of the Town to the Royal Corps of Signals at the Market Place, Blandford Forum at 3.00pm. Come along and show Blandford Forum's appre-
Just a reminder that the Olympic Torch is going to be passing through the town for no more than half an hour on the morning of Thursday 12th July 2012. It is expected to arrive at approximately 11.13am. Further details of the route can be found on the Town Council's website and the Town's notice boards. After the torch has passed through Blandford Forum there will be refreshments, games and music in the Corn Exchange and a rolling music concert in the Parish Church.
Town Council Venue Hire The Town Council manage a number of venues in and around the town and these are available for hire subject to availability. Discounts are available to charities and regular users. Forthcoming meetings are: Monday 2nd July 2012 Recreation and Amenities Committee Meeting Monday 23rd July 2012 - Town Council Meeting Monday 30th July 2012 - Planning Meeting
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July 2012
New Mayor looks forward to an exciting year LANDFORD'S new mayor is Councillor Sara Loch, who succeeded Councillor Esme Butler at the mayor-making ceremony in the Corn Exchange. It is the second time Miss Loch has occupied the mayoral chair, and after leading the council in 2008 she said she was just as
excited second time around in a year in which the town was celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the passing of the Olympic torch. Thanking Mrs Butler for all her hard work in preparing for the Jubilee and leading the council for two years over a period when
Hot on the trail of broadband MORE than 100 people turned out on a rain-sodden evening to hear how superfast broadband might be brought to a group of villages near Blandford. The public meeting held at Durweston village hall outlined plans to run optic fibre along the North Dorset Trailway and provide the service, which is unlikely to be provided by either BT, other commercial operators or the Superfast Broadband county-wide project, to the predominantly rural area. The Trailway Broadband scheme promoted by the DT11 Forum community partnership broadband team has been given first-stage backing by the government's DEFRA Rural Communities Broadband Fund, and the team is now working up a detailed proposal which includes seeking the backing of potential local subscribers and investors. The meeting included presentations on how the scheme might be achieved with public and private finance, and what it would mean for individuals and businesses to be able to access broadband speeds and band widths to rival the best in the country. North Dorset MP Bob Walter gave the project his unreserved sup-
port, as did many potential business and residential users. A detailed survey is now being conducted on the DT11 website at www.dt11forum.org.uk A second innovative use of the Trailway has been identified by a group which last month applied to the Sowing Seeds regeneration fund, which has already supported the broadband bid, for funding towards a woodland management plan for two key sites between Sturminster Marshall and Spetisbury and around Shillingstone and Hammoon. Trailway Wood Fuels want to produce a firewood product by coppicing the woodlands lying alongside the Trailway. A second survey is being carried out into the potential economic impact of the development of the trailway on retail, tourist and other business activity in the area. Sowing Seeds has also received an application from the North Dorset Railway Trust/Shillingstone Railway Project for funding towards the Shillingstone station community cafe where a kitchen building and equipment are needed to service an old railway carriage which is being refurbished as a seating area.
Restaurants raided AN illegal worker has been removed from the UK and four more remain in detention following raids in Blandford. Seven illegal workers were found by the UK Border Agency in raids on three restaurants in the town. A 21-year-old man from Bangladesh who had stayed illegally after his student visa expired has been removed after he was found working at Simla, West Street. Three others, aged 25, 28 and 38, remain in immigration detention along with a 33-yearold man arrested in a raid at Bay Leaf restaurant. A 30-year-old Bangladeshi man was arrested in a raid on Spice India. He was later released to the UK Border Agency while arrangements are made to remove him from the UK. Spice India and Simla restaurants could now face fines of up to ÂŁ10,000 per illegal worker.
it was without a town clerk or assistant town clerk, she said the council would also be focusing on drawing up a neighbourhood plan and the restoration of the Corn Exchange. Councillor Bob Brannigan was elected her deputy and Richard Riddle will be her chief escort. Her mayoral charities will be the Blandford-based Dorset Rural Music School, which this year celebrates its 65th anniversary, and the Blandford Parish Church
Cupola Project. Tribute was paid during the ceremony to the town council's youth adviser from The Blandford School, Felix Morris-Duffin, who after two years in the role is leaving to go on to university. Felix has been a conscientious participant at town council meetings, contributing to many debates, relaying town council business to the school parliament and seeking his peers' views on issues under discussion.
Councillor Sara Loch, Blandford's new Mayor, and her deputy, Councillor Bob Brannigan.
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July 2012
BLANDFORD PREPARES FOR THE ARRIVAL OF THE OLYMPIC TORCH
History in the making THE flags fly and the bunting continues to flutter in anticipation of the arrival in Blandford of the Olympic Torch relay on Thursday 12th July.
Blazing a trail to the town
Excitement is mounting for what could be another once-in-a-lifetime experience when the flame hits town just after 11am, only weeks after the Diamond Jubilee.
THE torch will enter the DT11 area just before 10.30am from Fontmell Magna where one of the torchbearers will be Victoria Townsend, age 49 of Marnhull. Victoria is the founder and chief executive officer of Breathe On UK, a national charity supporting children in need of long-term ventilation and their families. It will pass through Iwerne Minster and on to Stourpaine just after 11am. First stop after Blandford is Winterborne Whitechurch just after noon where it will be carried by Xavier Vrigneau, 18, of Milton Abbas, a pupil at Millfield School and a modern pentathlon athlete. It will reach Milborne St Andrew around 12.15pm before heading off to Puddletown and West Dorset.
Cleanup Blandford has asked groups to help with a tidy-up in town the night before, and traders have been asked to ensure their forecourts are clear. And the Blandford Torch Group, headed by the Rev Tim Storey, is inviting everyone to enjoy this historic occasion. Schools and pre-schools are gearing up for the day and to ensure the safety of such large numbers of children and older members of the community, schools, pre-schools and residential homes have been allocated a location along the route. The town council has issued a News Update containing further information for delivery to all residents, but not all locations are included, so check the website for up to date information at www.blandford-tc.co.uk/torch.html. People are invited to 'fill in' spaces along the pavements next to these groups and organisations, and are reminded to bring a drink and sun cream in case of hot weather. East Street and the Market Place will be closed to traffic, but other roads will be closed by a 'rolling roadblock' as the
Torch Relay nears, and then opened again afterwards. People are advised to be mindful of vehicles when waiting to view the torch and again once it has passed by, and to be aware that car parking will be
very limited on the day. After the torch has left, all are invited to refreshments, music and games in the Corn Exchange and a 'rolling' music concert in Blandford Parish Church.
The bearers of the flame FORUM Focus has already featured Jack Delaney of Angus Close, a pupil from the Blandford School, who will be carrying the torch through his home town. Another Blandford woman, Sally Purnell, aged 46, of Salisbury Street, the town's registration officer and a former LieutenantColonel in the Royal Military Police, who has served in Iraq, Kosovo and Bosnia, will be carrying the flame past the Fovant Badges in Wiltshire.
Also carrying the torch, but through Poole, will be Scott Norman, 66, of Stourpaine, chairman of the DT11 Forum Partnership, who since retiring to Dorset has become involved with the local community on many levels. He is chair of Stourpaine Parish Council, North Dorset CAB and CPEND, the community partnership for North Dorset, is involved in various initiatives and has raised money for a number of charities by running in four London Marathons. Also running through Blandford is Barbara Frampton, 67, of Tarrant Monkton. A member of Gundry Patchers, who raise money for local charities through quilting, she has run 11 marathons to raise hundreds of pound for leukaemia sufferers and helps run a Riding for the Disabled group.
Paddy Coker, 20, of Durweston, whose brother Danny died of a rare cell cancer last year, will carry the torch through Lyme Regis later on 12th July to highlight the work of the Teenage Cancer Trust which supported him and his family. He was nominated by his sister, who said: "Paddy has been an absolute rock for all Danny's friends and our family. He is an absolute inspiration." Julia Mardo, 27, a neuro-physiotherapist from the Blandford area, will be carrying the flame through Bournemouth on Friday 13th July. She has worked across Dorset, from Weymouth to Bournemouth and made a massive difference to families across the county. She specialises in helping the victims of strokes recuperate and return to their homes and everyday lives.
Proms night in Milton Abbey MILTON Abbey Choral Society, directed by David McKee, presented The Last Night of the Proms, a Diamond Jubilee celebration concert, at Milton Abbey on Sunday June 24th. Guests were invited to bring their own picnic for the interval, when wine and soft drinks were available to purchase.
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July 2012
Galleries hub of town’s artists’ quarter A REAL 'artists' quarter' has developed in Salisbury Street, Blandford, where the Incident Room is now in its second year, and Annabelle Valentine's new Valentine Gallery was opened the week before the start of Dorset Art Weeks.
It was one of the first places outside London to stock brands such as Margaret Howell, Ally Cappelino and Nicole Farhi, and continues to sell mainstream and boutique names, as well as local brands.
Across the road, the Hambledon Gallery celebrated its half-century in business with a special exhibition, to coincide with the DAW opening of studios, by artists who have supported the gallery over the years.
Mrs Suffield said: "We try to adapt to people's changing lifestyles but also to anticipate trends. Constantly finding new products and brands for our loyal customers is the most exciting part of running the shop."
When Wendy Suffield took over the former art gallery at 40-44 Salisbury Street, founded by Annabel York in 1962, she transformed it into an 'original lifestyle shop' and introduced brands including Liberty, Collier Campbell, Laura Ashley and Le Creuset.
She and husband Mike have now been joined by daughter Charlotte Bentley, who combines managing the shop with care for a flock of 150 sheep, daughter Sandy who looks after graphic design, and eldest daughter Victoria who runs a second shop in Winchester.
Wendy Suffield with Jamie Hobson, guest speaker at the Hambledon Gallery's private view of its 50th anniversary exhibition. Jamie is principal of London College of Communication at the University of the Arts London and remembers the gallery from visiting from the age of 11.
Academy honour for photographer A LOCAL photographer is celebrating the acceptance of one of his works into the Summer Exhibition of the Royal Academy of Arts, the world's largest open submission contemporary art show, open until 12th August at Burlington House in Piccadilly, London.
entrails of an animal torn to pieces by a predator.
Nigel Lord's 'City Break' is a shot of a demolition site in Birmingham which he spotted while accompanying his wife when she attended a nursing conference in Birmingham.
"It was one of two pictures I entered for the RA exhibition and was not only accepted, but also won a British Institution Award and a cheque for £500."
It shows a crane menacingly approaching a part-demolished multi-storey building, whose floors, associated wiring and pipeworks are exposed to the elements, looking like the
"I realised the crane looked like some sort of prehistoric monster, but I was lucky to catch the right angle," said Mr Lord, joint owner of The Incident Room in Salisbury Street, Blandford.
Describing himself as a postmodernist, he said his photographs focused primarily on industrial subjects and on "things that people walk past every day but don't really see". His other entry to the RA exhibition was of a wall built from blocks created from crushed metal from a scrapyard. Street photography, catching people unaware they are being photographed in juxtapositions which demonstrate something of the nature of modern life, is featured in his recently published limited edition book 'The Time of Their Lives'. "I want to be judged on the quality of ideas behind my work, rather than the quality of the photography," he said. He has won a number of awards locally and last year sent pictures to a gallery in New York which immediately invited him over and offered to represent him and organise an exhibition which was due to open last October.
Nigel Lord
But just days before, Mr Lord suffered a brain haemorrhage which resulted in his being
hospitalised and out of action for around two months. The exhibition is now being rescheduled. Mr Lord, 58, a former magazine editor and freelance writer, lives in Briantspuddle with his wife Stephanie and has two adult
daughters. His Blandford gallery, initially set up by himself and his business partner Sarah Bunnell to promote their own work and sell that of other artists on commission, now offers hire space where other artists can display and market their work.
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July 2012
THE BLANDFORD AREA CELEBRATES
Above: Residents of Orchard Street and Dorset Street, Blandford, celebrate the Jubilee at their annual Big Lunch. Above (right): Xandra Cotton with eight-year-old Molly Cotton and Paula Radburn in their decorated hats with the ‘Queen’ at Child Okeford. BLANDFORD’S new Mayor, Sara Loch, has penned her personal tribute to the organisers of the Jubilee events in Blandford. She writes: "I would like to thank everyone who made the Jubilee weekend so special in Blandford. Nothing that enjoyable happens without a lot of very hard work. So many people were involved in the arrangements and I apologise to any I miss out. "The Jubilee Group headed by Esme Butler was responsible for organising a packed series of events and producing the programme for the year. “Harold Galpin and a team of stalwarts put up
the Union flags and bunting through the centre of town which made it look so festive. And the Cleanup Blandford team ensured that the Marsh and Ham was litter-free both before and after the Riverside Party, attended by at least 1,500 people, at which the performers braved what could have been a very wet day to put on a really good show. The Beacon Lighting at Larksmead attended by over 500 was also organised by the Jubilee Group. “Thanks also to the two Rotary groups and Scouts who put on the Jubilee Festival to raise £3,000, the Parish Church for the Jubilee civic service with contributions from all
Below: Blandford’s Diamond Jubilee Queen Val Cowley. Right: all the fun of the Jubilee.
County councillor Hilary Cox plants the final tree in an avenue of hawthorns in The Cliff, Bryanston, watched by parish councillors Carol Tompsett, Jane Gregory, organiser of the village's Jubilee picnic, and chairman Doc Addison, with Byron Harris and Sandie Watkins, tree officers from NDDC.
the schools and the Blandford Choral Society. "And thanks to the town's tradespeople and shopkeepers, the vast majority of whom made the effort to dress their windows, and to all the people of Blandford who made the holiday celebrations so much fun. "My personal highlight was Sunday's Blandford Flotilla - even if my boat came last!" Blandford's Diamond Jubilee Queen Val Cowley of the Deer Park Riding Stables also expressed her thanks to the judges for bestowing the honour upon her. "I have had a wonderful time. I felt very proud to be part of all the festivities," she said.
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THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE More than 1,000 Winterborne people witnessed the lightwing a Zelston: Follo ing of North Dorset's ccessful su Jubilee Beacon on Okeford weekend of mark the to ns io at br cele Hill where Councillor Angus re the fo be d Jubilee an Campbell, leader of Dorset Zelston's of e al fin d an A gr County Council and memDurweston: beacon, a lighting of the ber for Hambledon, lit the the vilwas free concert in rty barbecue pa flame. The Dorset the sident re lage hall with y er ev r fo d held Countryside Rangers prengers an n, ee gr Durweston Si ge lla on the vi pared the site on fields ing the cutFriends, includ in g in at in lm on cu made available by the Alner Craxt l cake, pianists Sue ting of the roya family. rman, rden Bu and Elaine Ko ita made by R village Cllr Mike Oliver, Chairman rah kicked off the Sa by ed ic d an with an of North Dorset District celebrations, As a mark of r audience Edwards. Council, was unable to ed marziopportunity fo respect the ic d flag attend as he was travelling as participation an w en ue chance to pan Q to London as a representawaving and a with her throne ed ov m ul re tif au tive of the Regimental a hear some be ioned, raising and inter- and auct Association of The Royal n tio na do British music 5 £3 majestic gs, and a Scots Dragoon Guards at earch esting readin for Cancer Res n for io ct the National Service of lle co g in urite vo retir fa s h' ra Sa e UK, s hospic Thanksgiving at St Paul's local children' charity. . Cathedral next day. Julia's House e er th y da on M Of the St Paul's service he On the to watch said: “This has to stand out was a chance ert on nc co e le bi above all other church servJu the the vilat en re ices I have attended; truly a the big sc on celebration of the 60 years lage hall, and ocession on the throne of our muchTuesday a pr ne led to La loved Queen and her from Water in the vilrty pa e le undoubted service of duty bi a ju ll. to our nation." lage ha
Hospital cuts: the way forward FOLLOWING the decision by Dorset County Hospital to reduce the number of services they provide at Blandford Community Hospital, the Friends of the hospital and its action group have been pursuing alternative plans with health chiefs. Spokesman Doc Addison said: "In the event the proposed cuts have been reduced to just a few marginal service changes. “Discussions have taken place with providers in other hospitals who may well be able to support new services providing the hospital with additional opportunities for the provision of care. "The design team has been tasked to consider a day treatment centre in what was Portman Ward. This would provide specialist treatment adjacent to the theatre. The day room would also come back into use. "The family accommodation established to support Portman Ward would move in order to make best use of available space. "The protection of existing servic-
es and the provision of new services have been achieved only through mobilisation of vociferous local support via public meetings, and hard work by hospital management and GPs and the action group which demonstrates the modern need to fight for the protection of public services." A working group established by Blandford Forum Town Council has written to John Morton, director of joint commissioning and partnerships, NHS Dorset, asking for more detailed information on the number of patients affected by withdrawal of services. It is also looking into the costs of providing a bespoke transport service to Dorchester, as well as seeking to persuade existing bus companies to run their routes through to the hospital in Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester. But Mr Addison said the Friends' own car transport service now had a total of 82 volunteers prepared to provide transport to and from hospital appointments in Dorchester and elsewhere in the south.
: Child Okeford vited in e er w rs ge All villa llage vi a r fo to The Cross Pupils of The Janet lebration ce in ph ra og phot Knight School of e. le of the Jubi Dancing end their perlfo as oot w The photo-sh to formance at the on si es oc pr lowed by a Blandford Riverside ground for the recreation Party. iher activ games and ot rd Lo y ut ep D ties, and the commes Pimperne: A Lieutenant Ja e was tre e m iv fro at g or in em m Gibson-Flem h counris n pa to by ro d Sh plante neighbouring hael ic M aque cil chairman unveiled the pl entire e th of g re in fo m be na er Oliv recording the a to n w its do g t bratin village sa the field, cele the car in e a le te bi e ju le d bi on Ju own diam llage hall, en's park of the vi year, as a Que g ment proin in lee Play with enterta Diamond Jubi ildren of ch so e th be by to d st vide Field, the fir ary im . Pr try e un co Pimpern named in the School.
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July 2012
Retirement issue is not clear-cut WITH the abolition of the default retirement age of 65, more and more employees appear to be facing performance appraisals by their employers. Depending upon the nature of the employer's business, the removal of the default retirement age could have an impact on that business. The current situation is that the courts have confirmed it may be possible for employers to justify a compulsory retirement age policy providing such a policy provides opportunities for other employees to be promoted, enhances workforce planning and where this helps a congenial and supportive culture within the business. At the present time the general consensus is that it may be difficult for an employer to justify a retirement age of 65 but this is a matter which is still under consideration by the courts. This is a complex and ever-changing area of the law and it is recommended that you seek legal advice if you are an employer that has not recently reviewed your policy on retirement age, or if you are an employee that has been forced to retire. Contact Alan Horne on 01258 488215 or alan.horne@blanchardsbailey.co.uk for an initial discussion.
NEWS in BRIEF
Early delivery of electoral canvass forms THE annual electoral canvass forms started arriving at properties across North Dorset during the week commencing 11th June. The canvass is the opportunity for everyone to ensure they will be able to vote in elections and referenda. Information is being sought earlier than usual this year because of the Police and Crime Commissioner Election scheduled for 15th November. Details can be confirmed by internet or the freephone line as directed on the form, but amendments must be returned in the prepaid envelope supplied, as soon as possible after receipt of the form.
Raising the roof at Durweston BLANDFORD may not yet have a dedicated arts centre or venue for stage productions and films, but nearby villages do in their village halls, where hiring organisations provide a quality selection of touring productions, films and entertainment. One is the performance by the highly acclaimed six-piece ensemble She Koyokh, who present songs, folk tunes and wedding dances from practically every Eastern European country you can think of, raising the roof wherever they play. They were brought to Durweston Village Hall on Thursday 28th June by Artsreach.
Flowers and art combine at church festival A 'PRECIOUS Metals and Jewels' theme linked the Queen's Diamond Jubilee with the Olympics in a Flower and Art Festival held in Blandford United Reformed Church and hall over the weekend of 22nd to 24th June. The festival display, created by members of more than a dozen groups meeting at the hall, including its two art groups, also offered lunches on Saturday and cream teas on Sunday.
Primary school fair nets record profit DURWESTON Primary School's May Fair raised a record ÂŁ1,700 when every class ran its own stall and the barbecue was a real hit, as was the traditional maypole dance when a town crier introduced the May Queen, her attendants and crown bearer. Attractions included fair trade, handmade sweets and sunflower stalls, a ‘name the chicken’ competition and a parent and pupil fun run.
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July 2012
FOCUS on women in business
Hats off to a winning idea BLANDFORD-based CobWebKnits has been judged Best Small Business at the Women in Business Awards, held at the Langtry Manor Hotel. Creative director Su Cowell, unable to attend the awards, was thrilled to learn via Twitter of her success in the category when the envelope was finally opened and the results revealed in true Hollywood style. She said: "The awards were tweeting through the night with photos and the results, so it was the only way I could find out about whether we'd won. Even then I couldn't be sure and had to get in touch with my friend and fellow finalist Tracy Franklin, also from Blandford, to confirm it!"
Su Cowell, creative director of CobWebKnits, judged Best Small Business in the Dorset Women in Business Awards.
Su, who was also a finalist for Best Home-Based Business and last year's winner in the Best PR Initiative category, had just in case asked Natasha Jones, founder of LEAF, the charity
being supported during the event, if she or a colleague would accept the award on her behalf, and Natasha had insisted she prepare something to be said.
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Tracy’s pet venture pays off MUDDY PUDDLES DORSET is a service for owners of pets who need help in caring for them when they are out at work, away on holiday or otherwise engaged - or even getting married!
The business has seen a recent surge in bookings, particularly for the lunchtime walks requested by dog owners. "Many are reluctant to pay the premium that comes with it," said Tracy. "So we are offering a compromise, an 11.30am hourlong walk ensuring that dogs
But she still gives much of the credit to the hats she makes. "They really are central to the success of the business - very eye-catching, and a cute photo of a newborn in one of my creations is the best advert I can hope to have. Who can resist when they look as cute as this on a tiny baby?" The CobWebs Company, which also includes CobWebKids, was conceived in 2008 and is a small family business making quality designer handcrafted hats and tops for children, as well as tea cosies.
It was started nine months ago by Tracy Franklin when she was made redundant from her event marketing post and has flourished to become a finalist in a Dorset businesswoman award scheme. Its aim is to help the owners of dogs, cats, horses and other pets achieve a work/life balance by offering a dog walking, cat sitting and house and smallholding minding service, including pet chaperoning at weddings.
"I was glad I did because I wanted the FSB, who sponsored the event, to know what it meant for me to win. I strive to provide the same service to the highest standards that customers expect regardless of the size of the company and it was wonderful to have this recognised by industry experts."
Tracy Franklin with some of her charges at Muddy Puddles Dorset.
are out walking at midday at no extra cost, but in time to meet our lunchtime clients' needs." Tracy adds: "I love running Muddy Puddles Dorset. It's a huge responsibility having sole charge of other people's pets and exhausting and relentless but so rewarding and I love all the animals in my care." The business has raised over £200 for the Margaret Green Animal Rescue and Rushton
Dog Rescue, and worked with expert canine communicator Pam Shaw to bring a talk, 'Do you speak dog', to Blandford. For more information visit www.muddypuddlesdorset.com, email muddypuddlesdorset@hotmail.co.uk or phone Tracy on 07886 322655. * Finalist - Langtry Manor Business Woman Awards 2012, New Business of the Year Award.
FIVE local Zumba instructors Caroline Barr, Clare Davis, Tracy Dyche, Kim Grimston and Dawn Watton - are joining forces to present a Zumba Fitness Party at the Corn Exchange, Blandford, on Friday 6th July from 7.30pm to 9pm. Zumba is the dance fitness craze that sets easy-to-follow choreography to a blend of Latin and world rhythms. The party night is to raise funds for the Teddy20 appeal that supports children with cancer. Tickets are £10 and are available from any of the instructors or by email at CBarr1204@aol.com. No prior Zumba experience is necessary but suitable footwear (lightweight trainers) will be needed.
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July 2012
FOCUS on schools
Flag finds its place of honour A FLAG discovered by headteacher Sally Wilson on her first day at the Blandford School was finally hoisted, after a nine-year wait, on the flagpole erected to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics 2012.
Headteacher Sally Wilson and young ambassadors from The Blandford School with the flag erected to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and London Olympics 2012.
Kites salute Jubilee CHILDREN at Archbishop Wake primary school marked the Queen's Jubilee in style, working together to make Union Flag kites and then having fun flying them on the field. They also dressed up with the theme of royalty and had a street party on the playground, complete with crowns and tiaras. It was lovely to see so many members of the community at the Summer Fair on Saturday 26th May, when the school could not have been luckier with the weather. The day was a huge success with a fun dog show, fire engine visit, gokarts, bouncy castle, Kanga gym demonstration and their very own Samba band. Headteacher Jo Hicks thanked all those who participated or supported them on the day.
Mrs Wilson had wanted to wait for the ÂŁ12 million school building project to be complete before positioning the flagpole near the new school entrance.
The school is looking forward to its arts and sports weeks, end-of-year performance by Years 5 and 6 and many other events.
Governors, staff and members of the school parliament watched as young ambassadors, Emily Sym and Greg Hart, hoisted the flag.
DEDICATED teachers from the art department at The Blandford School, the only school that took part in Dorset Art Weeks, gave up their half-term for an exhibition held in the school's impressive Hub.
Mrs Wilson said: "I have long felt that it is important for the wider school community to have a special place in school where anyone and everyone can gather to celebrate and commemorate." She said the flag will be lowered at appropriate times in memory of others.
Students join art festival It featured not only work from students and staff at the school and some of the local primary schools but also quilts by Roy Dickinson and flower arrangements by Alison Finch. Mr Dickinson, who has won many awards for his quilts including first prize in the Hoffman Challenge with use of very alternative fabrics, loaned some of his exquisitely constructed and designed quilts to the school. The exhibition was put together to show the progression made through the different ages and varied art experiences that the students use as their creative starting point.
Talent shines through
Headteacher Sally Wilson with advanced winner Joseph Empson in Blandford's Got Musical Talent at The Blandford School. MORE than 55 students auditioned to take part in this year's live final of Blandford's Got Musical Talent at The Blandford School. Altogether 22 made it through to present an evening of outstanding performances on all types of instruments and in all styles of music. The judges had a tough job to decide the winners but eventually headteacher Sally Wilson announced the results, which saw Emily Lindley take the beginners' prize, Jess Nipper the intermediate, and Joseph Empson the advanced.
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July 2012
FOCUS on events
Jill Budd (right) shows visitors the apple tree in her Dorset Street garden.
Gardens reveal their secrets LIGHT rain which turned to heavy drizzle did not deter nearly 70 people from following the Blandford Hidden Gardens trail organised by the Blandford Stour Rotary Club. Around 20 gardens were open to the public for all or part of the day, the fifth annual garden opening held in support of nearly a dozen local charities selected by the organisers and garden openers. Some residents opened their gardens for the first time but others were old favourites, including the riverside garden of Stour House, the Georgian-designed Eastway House and the 18th century walled garden of The Old Rectory. New delights included the tiny gravelled secluded garden of business couple Jill and Reg Budd in Dorset Street, featuring oak sculptures and easy-care plants, and the mixed borders, fruit and vegetable plots recently created on soil of the old railway embankment for Rachel Baynes, of Damory Court Street.
Silence proves golden A SILENT auction was one of the attractions at Spetisbury village fete and dog show on 23rd June when there was also a competition for the most regal dog.
team of between six and 12, or sign up to be part of one, for £10 per team or £1 per person, in aid of the Playing Field Project. For details call 01258 452457.
On Sunday 1st July there will be a mixed fun rounders' tournament (a change of date from that previously advertised) starting at 11.15am on the Charlton Marshall QEII Jubilee Playing Field for players aged 10 and over. People can make up a
On Thursday 5th July, the monthly pub quiz starting at 8pm at the Woodpecker will be raising funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, with half the £2 entry cost going to the cause and half to the winners.
Variety at Larmer Tree A FULL music and comedy line-up plus a family programme of activities has been announced for the 2012 Larmer Tree Festival which opens on Wednesday 11th July at Tollard Royal. Continuing its tradition of supporting local up-and-coming artists, the festival also has some of the South Coast's hottest performers and a programme of shows, workshops and activities for all ages. Founder and co-director of Larmer Tree Festival James Shepard said: "We always work hard to achieve a great balance between well-known, popular artists and up-and-coming talent on the brink of stardom - this year is no exception. We've got a superb line-up." There's a YouthZone for 11-17 year olds, a kids' programme, and a carnival procession on Sunday afternoon. For more information on what's going on, line-up news and to book tickets visit www.larmertreefestival.co.uk and for the box office call 023 8071 1820.
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July 2012
FOCUS on services
Public recognition for St John volunteers THE annual enrolment ceremony for the Dorset St John Ambulance cadets and badgers took place for the first time in 12 years in Blandford Parish Church. The lively and thought-provoking service, which underlined in video stories and contemporary songs the history and principles of faith and service of the Order of St John, was conducted by the Rev Tim Storey, Rector of the parish church of St Peter and St Paul. The enrolment and promise ceremony was led by St John Enrolling Officer and Commander, Stephen Frost. Mr Storey also blessed and dedicated the new Dorset Badger flag. Nearly 20 cadets and more than 20 Badgers from across the county were enrolled, and
Cup winners Emma Jones and Katie McClinton at the St John Ambulance Cadets First Aid competition. Right: the colour party with senior officers in Blandford Parish Church. Gareth Coy, a member of the Blandford division since he was six years old, was presented with a braided lanyard in recognition of his long service, as a badger, cadet and now as a helper. Six young cadets (under-18s) from the Blandford division also recently took part in the Dorset St John Ambulance first aid competition held at Poole, where they had to work in pairs. Emma Jones of Stourton Caundle and Katie McClinton of Blandford
were judged best partnered scenario. They dealt with everyday first aid including a woman who became unconscious due to a head injury and another suffering from angina, assessing the casualties, applying first aid and calling an ambulance, and were marked on their calmness, knowledge and reassurance of the casualty. The second part of the competition saw the cadets working separately and dealing with one of two casualties. A woman
having a heart attack involved use of CPR and then a defibrillator, used on the resuscitation dummy not the actress, for marking again on reassurance of casualty and on DRABC dangers, response, airways, breathing and circulation. The second incident involved a woman cutting herself using a gardening tool, involving assessment, calling the ambulance, treating the wound with bandages and sling and filling out a patient report form.
Gill reaches out for volunteers GILL Muhl (left) is the new North Dorset Outreach worker for the Dorset Volunteer Centre, succeeding Dianne Cooper who has retired after six years. Her main role is to promote volunteering across the region by matching up individuals who are willing to give some time to volunteering with the many and varied roles that are available with the vast number of charities and organisations who rely so much on volunteers to support their work.
She said: "I have had a very enjoyable start to my new job going out and about with Dianne touring wonderful North Dorset, meeting lots of people and getting to know the various organisations and projects that we aim to support. "Volunteering should be interesting, fun and enjoyable. There can be many reasons for wanting to volunteer - a way of meeting new friends, a good opportunity to develop valuable work skills, a way of getting to know the local area, a reason to get out of the house and give something back to the community, to provide a sense of achievement and many more. "I am proof positive that volunteering can be a way back into employment. I was a volunteer in the DVC office in Dorchester for eight months before this role became available and my application was successful." To find out more about volunteering opportunities in and around North Dorset, go and meet Gill at any of her drop-in sessions, contact her by phone on 07918639011 or email to
g.muhl@volunteeringdorset.org.uk Drop-in sessions in Blandford are at the DT11 Forum Office, 5 Nightingale Court, on Thursdays between 2 and 4pm. CRB checks can be done by drop-in or special appointment, and further information can be found on www.volunteeringdorset.org.uk or on www.do-it.org.uk.
Tickety-boo TICKETS are now on sale at Blandford Information Centre in West Street for the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show on Wednesday 15th August, for the Great Dorset Steam Fair from Wednesday 29th August to Sunday 2nd September, and for the Dorset County Show in Dorchester on Saturday and Sunday, 1st and 2nd of September.
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July 2012
FOCUS on services
Trolley team’s fond farewell to Ann VOLUNTEERS with the WRVS trolley service at Blandford Community Hospital gathered in the Blandford Parish Centre to wish a happy retirement to their manager for the past 28 years, Ann Trathen, of Milborne St Andrew, now aged 80, first offered her services when she retired from her role as deputy head teacher at Charminster village school near Dorchester. Now she is retiring again and relocating to Culliford Road in Dorchester, she has no intention of giving up her volunteering work and will become a steward for the National Trust at nearby Max Gate, former home of Thomas Hardy. About a dozen fellow WRVS volunteers gathered to make a presentation to her and enjoy a cream tea served up by Maria Jacobson, WRVS co-ordinator for Dorset. The popular trolley service, in which volunteers take newspapers and other items to bed-
ridden patients in the hospital, will continue without her, but is always on the lookout for new recruits. So is the Home Library Service, Books on Wheels, run by Dorset County Council, for those who cannot easily access a library because of disability, illness or home ties. It is also run by the WRVS, recently given an Investors in Volunteers award, to ensure that housebound people of all ages can enjoy full access to the benefits of the public library service. Books are chosen with the tastes of the individual reader in mind, and can include books in large print and talking books on CD, as well as titles available on audio cassette.
Trolley service manager Ann Trathen with fellow WRVS volunteers at her retirement party.
If you, or anyone you know, would like to receive this service, enquire at your local library (Blandford: 01258 452075), call library HQ on 01305 225000 or email dorsetlibraries@dorsetcc.gov.uk
It’s all systems go at the town library BLANDFORD Library last month launched the county-wide 2012 Summer Reading Challenge at a special event with games and activities, which also celebrated the Blandford Library Chatterbooks' first year. Chatterbooks sessions are part of a national initiative that invites children to join reading groups in schools and libraries where they have the opportunity to take part in lots of reading, creative writing and art and craft activities for anyone between the ages of seven and 11. The library also hosts a rhyme time session every week Tuesday afternoons 2pm to 2.30pm - described as 'Bounce and rhyme sessions, fun for
babies, toddlers and their parents or carers. Loads of noisy fun and instruments to shake and rattle’. They also have toddler times every week on Friday mornings, 10am to 10.30am, an interactive session combining storytelling and rhymes to introduce toddlers to the fun and enjoyment of stories and songs. A free creative writing club, the Blandford Library Creative Writers, is run once a month in the library on a Tuesday evening on a set title every month, and belongs to the Dorset Writers’ Network. Anyone wanting to find out more should email E.R.Bevin@dorsetcc.gov.uk or call the library on 01258 452075.
Helpers Emma Godfrey (centre) and Marcia Miles (right) of the older persons mental health team, at the cream tea dance for carers and clients, with (from the left): John Palin, Ross Godfrey and David Miles; and (standing) administrator Barbara Coe, left, and Doreen Prill of 'Singing for the Brain'.
Tea and sweet music CARERS and clients of the elderly community mental health team, based at Blandford Community Hospital, gathered in the Sealy Suite of the Crown Hotel for a cream tea dance. The event was organised by the team, with funding from the Durweston Bluebell Ride held earlier this year, which has previously funded the Singing for the Brain classes organised by the Alzheimer's Society. Music was provided by the Swing Unlimited Big Band, and on sale in support of the Alzheimer's Society were copies of The Rosemary Project, a booklet compiled by community nurses in Shaftesbury containing case studies involving elderly mental health care.
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July 2012
FOCUS on clubs
Guild work The civic watchdogs goes on BLANDFORD and District Civic Society held its annual general meeting in the United Reformed Church Hall when chairman Peter Warrington was re-elected together with a 12-strong committee. Reports were given on society activities, including its response to planning applications in the area and its continuing programme of affixing plaques and street signs to buildings of note, walkways and yards in the town. Guest speaker was Tony Ward of the Shillingstone Station Project, who described progress in the restoration of the station on the former Somerset & Dorset Railway since a community celebration at the station in the 1980s sparked off the concept of bringing it back to its former glory. In June, a group of members visited Silk Hay, the restored home of author Hilary Townsend in Stalbridge, and the Society's next event will be one of its series of guided heritage walks on Wednesday 18th July. For details call 01258 453550.
BLANDFORD Forum's Townswomen's Guild's 30-strong, 25-year-old group meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the United Reformed Church at 2.15pm. The TG's proud history stretches back 147 years to when women campaigned for the vote. This was achieved in 1928 and the organisation's commitment to equality goes on. The issues they address at a national level affect men and women. Recent campaigns have been against the withdrawal of cheques and 'Hear my Voice', the treatment of the elderly in hospital. Speakers feature regularly, together with skittles, fun bowls, arts and crafts, lunch clubs, quizzes and outings. In June the speaker was Jenny Clarke on 'Training dogs to help disabled people' and in July Jan Palmer will give a talk on flower arranging, which will be followed by a cream tea. New members are always welcome to come along.
Praise for photo finish BLANDFORD Forum Camera Club staged its annual exhibition in the Corn Exchange when winning entries in club and open competitions were on show, together with a vast display of exhibits. The prizegiving took place on the Sunday afternoon, when top awards were presented by judge Andrew Wilson (pictured left), in the presence of Blandford's deputy mayor Bob Brannigan and club chairman Norman Carey, (pictured centre), to (from left) Colin Cross, Leo Rich, Malcolm Bowditch, Geoff Burns, Norman Wiles and Graham Hutton. Mr Wilson said it was the third exhibition he had judged this season and complimented the Blandford club on what he described as "the most beautifully laid out and easy-to-look-at I have seen." He said the very high standard of their display clearly attracted non-members to exhibit. Mr Brannigan, as a former regimental photographer in the services, said he was delighted to see the work of those whose photography was art and produced a sense of 'wow' and 'awe' rather than simply recording events.
Teddy20 charity rocks for a good cause A MASSIVE fundraising drive in memory of young Blandford sportsman rose to new heights at the Corn Exchange in Blandford over the weekend of 23rd and 24th June. At the end of May, Blandford Cricket Club held its Teddy20 fun day on the Park Road cricket ground, when cricket was played and a variety of activities raised money for CLIC Sargent. Teddy20 started in support of 10-year-old Ted Newton when he was suffering from a rare bone cancer, and has continued since his death in June 2010, this year with a sponsored walk and additional events at the Greyhound in Blandford. Teddy Rocks was a music festival whose purpose was also to raise money to help children with cancer, and featured 30 live hard rock bands and 10 acoustic artists ranging from
heavy metal to Ska music with 22 hours of live music over two days. Tom Newton, of Westbury Way, Blandford, said: "I lost my brother to a rare bone cancer called Ewings sarcoma. Since then my family have been raising money for children's cancer, using our own personal experience as much as we can to help other families going through treatments. "The money we raise will be going to the places that people forget need help - things such as new toys for the toy cupboards on the wards, new linen for the CLIC House in Southampton, new TVs for the parent rooms in smaller hospitals and special trips for children undergoing treatment. "A percentage will also be given to research."
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July 2012
FOCUS on clubs
Lions who take a pride in helping others BLANDFORD Lions, who celebrate their 40th anniversary this year, will be holding a diabetes testing day in conjunction with one of the town's surgeries at the Crown Hotel on Saturday 7th July. They will be in the Oak Room between 10am and 1pm with a doctor on site and will also be raising awareness of eye disease. Anyone wishing to be tested will require a consent form to be completed. There will also be free tea and coffee. It is one of a number of services provided by the group, which currently has only 13 members and a number of young Leos at The Blandford School, but has helped numerous
groups and individuals over the past year. Last month they took a group of disabled children to Paultons Park, and donations have included £90 for an oven from Dorset Reclaim enabling a young local man to go into independent accommodation, £190 for hotel accommodation for a local couple whose daughter has a rare genetic condition to attend a seminar in Northampton, and £150 for a vacuum cleaner and chest of drawers for a man in Milborne St Andrew suffering from epilepsy who became estranged from his family. The Lions have also given a total of nearly £1,000 from fundraising events to Life
Education Wessex for health and drug prevention education in primary schools, to Julia's House children's hospice, to Children in Need, to Blandford-based youth advice organisation Treads, to The Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CAPA), and to a voluntary community transport scheme helping people get to medical appointments in Milton Abbas and neighbouring villages. They also provide free issues of 'Message in a Bottle' to vulnerable people in their homes. To make a regular standing order donation to their work, visit www. lions.org.uk, or join them by calling 0845 833 2742 or emailing goodenough611@btinternet.com
Town twinners welcome their Euro visitors VISITORS from Blandford's twin towns in France and Germany came to town to celebrate a total of more than 75 years' twinning. People from Mortain in Normandy stayed with members of the Blandford Mortain Twinning Society, and over the same May weekend those from Preetz in Germany were the guests of members of the Preetz Friendship Society. The Preetz party were celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first exchanges between pupils from the two towns' respective senior schools, and the 30th of the formal twinning. They enjoyed trips to Bath, Swanage and Durlston, as well as a visit to the Old House in The
Close, home of then-deputy mayor of Blandford Sara Loch, ending their stay with a 50th anniversary dinner at Ashley Wood Golf Club on the evening before departing. The visitors from Mortain, who celebrated the 25th anniversary of their twinning with Blandford last year, brought with them eight youngsters. They also took a trip to Bath and enjoyed a lunchtime gathering at the Blandford Museum and Victorian Garden. Before returning to France, with old friendships renewed and new ones forged, they enjoyed a buffet evening at The Blandford School 'Hub' with entertainment from Nick Crump and the Stour Valley Band, which is hoping to
Town twinning and civic leaders from Blandford, Preetz and Mortain at the civic reception in Blandford Corn Exchange. Pictured (from left): Michel Desfoux, Mayor of Mortain; Steve Hitchings, Blandford/Mortain Twinning chairman; Renate MuellerLoennies, town president of Preetz; Janiq Guillo, former chairman Mortain/Blandford jumelage; Esme Butler, Mayor of Blandford; Francoise le Tondu, chairman Mortain/Blandford jumelage; Ingrid Kurster, Preetz/Blandford twinning chairman; and Peter Warrington, Blandford/Preetz Friendship Society chairman. visit Mortain and give two concerts there next year. At a civic reception in the Corn Exchange for both groups, gifts were exchanged and speeches made and translated into all three languages highlighting the cultural and educational benefits of
town twinning. Blandford Mayor Esme Butler presented Royal Diamond Jubilee commemorative plates to representatives of both parties, and a gold-trimmed decanter and glasses to Preetz town president Renate Mueller-Loennies.
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Deer Park campaign A DOOR-to door campaign is being carried out by members and supporters of the Deer Park Preservation Group to collect signatures on their petition against potential development on the land. The petition was launched at the Georgian Fayre at the beginning of May and by the end of the month the number of signatures exceeded 2,750. It was hoped to complete the door-to-door canvas by the end of June, with a target of 5,000 signatures which will be presented to North Dorset District Council. John Cook, DPPG chairman, said: "It is marvellous to have the support of all three major political parties and the active support of Blandford NDDC councillors. If there is anything in the localism bill, then Blandford clearly should defeat the Crown Estate plan." The revised draft core strategy for North Dorset, in which the Deer Park and Crown Meadows were included as having potential for development of up to 200 houses post 2016, is due to go out to public consultation later this year.
July 2012
Day centre services under the spotlight A PUBLIC consultation will be taking place in the Corn Exchange on Tuesday 10th July into Dorset County Council's plans for changes to services offered at Blandford Day Centre. The consultation, starting at 7pm, follows the decision by the Council Cabinet in December to take forward a Partnership Option to develop and modernise day and vocational services. Those services have been working with their local communities to find ways of making the necessary £600,000 savings countywide and maximise opportunities
to increase income and develop strong and sustainable networks. The council also needs to meet shortfalls in vocational services caused by changes in national provision for work programmes. Learning disability day services and vocational services are to become an integrated team, resulting in changes to the management structure, but no cuts in frontline staff or services. The main proposal at Blandford is to remove a Saturday service for up to five elderly people and find an alternative service within the community or in their own home for the people affected.
Raffle to aid charity role LOCAL business, James Of Blandford, in conjunction with proprietor Pauline Murray and her grand-daughter, Elaine Murray, are seeking sponsorship to assist in taking gifts to orphanages in Arushia, Tanzania. Elaine, who is currently undertaking a degree in midwifery at Bournemouth University, will be going with 'Work the World' in August. Students who participate in the scheme do so at their own expense so James Of Blandford will be holding a raffle to raise funds with prizes, including a £50 voucher to use towards paper purchase and delivery. Tickets will be available from the shop at 12 The Plocks, Blandford.
Quilt cash for cupola A QUILT designed and made by local seamstresses has been on display all month in the window of Set Fair 4 Trade in Salisbury Street to raise funds for the parish church Cupola Project. Individual butterflies were put together by some local women, who attended the former Stitches group that met in the parish centre two years ago, to a design inspired by Jackie Poynter. They pooled their oddments of fabrics, yarns, beads and sequins, and spent on average two hours on each unique butterfly. Stitches leader Jennie Rake assembled the quilt, adding dividing sections, wadding and a backing, and then hand-quilted each square. The quilt, measuring about 180cms by 150 cms, has been on offer to the highest bidder by sealed bid to the shop. After display in the shop window it will go into the parish centre for a craft fair on 30th June and the sealed bids will be opened on Monday 3rd July to reveal the winner.
Forum Focus - forthcoming meetings & events JULY Pimperne mother and toddler group meets every Wednesday, term time 9.15 to 11.15, Pimperne village hall, contact 01258 452185 Sunday 1st July: Royal Corps of Signals Freedom Parade, Blandford town centre, 3pm Sunday 1st July: Mixed fun rounders match, 11.15am to approx. 2.30pm, Charlton Marshall QEII Jubilee Playing Field, £10 per team or £1 per person, proceeds to the playing field project. Contact: Jean on 01258 452457 or email jeanvesey@hotmail.co.uk Sunday 1st July: Stourpaine village fete on the playing fields, BBQ and Bar, Classic Vehicle Rally, free activities for children, tug of war and more.12pm to 4pm Wednesday 4th July: Friends of Blandford Hospital AGM, at the hospital, 6.30pm Wednesday 4th July: Blandford Art Society present a demonstration of innovative Atelier Interactive Acrylics, Blandford Parish Centre 7pm. Price £3 Thursday 5th July: monthly pub quiz for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, Woodpecker, Spetisbury, 8pm Friday 6th July: Charity golf tournament, Ashley Wood Golf Club Friday 6th July: Film Night, Hugo, Durweston village hall, 7.30pm
Friday 6th July: Entries in this diary are Faithworks Wessex Zumba Fitness Party, 01202 304004 or free of charge. If you Corn Exchange, email office@faithhave an event you Blandford 7 to 9.30pm workswessex.org.uk would like included, In aid of Teddy20 (supfor details please send details to porting children with Tuesday 10th July: Nicci Brown, 01258 cancer) Tel 01258 Blandford Macular 459346 or email 452936 or Degeneration Group s.n.b@btinternet.com CBarr1204@aol.com meeting, United Reformed Church, 2pm Saturday 7th July: Jumble sale for Marie Hardwick, Tuesday 10th July: Consultation into Youth Aid, Anchor Gateway, Salisbury day care services, Corn Exchange, Street, from 9am Blandford, 7 to 8.15pm Saturday 7th July: Blandford Lions Wednesday 11th July: Lecture on host diabetes testing in conjunction lace, Blandford Fashion Museum with Whitecliff Surgery in the Oak Wednesday 11th July: U3A OlymRoom, Crown Hotel, 10am to 1pm, picnic Summer Party, Durweston Free Tea and Coffee Village Hall 12noon to 4.30pm Saturday 7th July: Hamworthy Wednesday 11th to 15th July: Social Club, Wimborne. A Concert Larmer Tree Festival, Tollard Royal, given by the Wimborne Orchestra www.larmertreefestival.co.uk. proceeds to Dorset Rural Music Wednesday 11th July: Clean up School. 7.30pm. Blandford evening session in preparaSunday 8th July: Steppin' Out tion for torch arrival, meet at InformAcademy of Performance Open Day ation Centre at Marsh & Ham, 7pm 11am - 4pm at Spetisbury School. Thursday 12th July: Olympic Torch 11am Baby Ballet (3-5yrs), 11.45 travels through DT11 area, Fontmell Primary Ballet (5-8 yrs),12.30 Magna, Stourpaine, Blandford, Beginner's Tap (all ages), 13.15 Irish Winterborne Whitechurch, Milborne St (all ages), 14.00 Modern (5-8 years, Andrew, 11am to 1pm 14.45 Street (all ages), 15.30 Saturday 14th July: Pimperne vilZUMBA! Details 07904 868514 or lage hall, quiz night, Teams of 6 www.steppinoutacademy.co.uk Saturday 14th July: Bowjangles Monday 9th July: Consultation into present Bowlympics, The Portman potential Blandford Food Bank, Unit Hall Shillingstone 7.30pm 2, Clump Farm Industrial Estate, Saturday 14th July: 7.30pm Blandford, 7.30 to 9pm. Contact
Summer Concert with the Wimborne and Ferndown Singers and local performers, Interval refreshments Holy Trinity Church, Stourpaine - donations Sunday 15th July: Ambassadors Swing Band, Crown Hotel, 3pm Wednesday 18th July: Civic Society guided Perimeter walk Thursday 19th July: Blandford Archaeology Group meet, Milldown School Saturday 21st July: Cats Protection League sale, Woodhouse Gardens Pavilion Saturday 21st July and Sunday 22nd July: Durweston Players present Coronation Fever, a play in two acts by Vince Jones Sunday 22nd July: Fun Royal Walkabout, from King's Arms, Blandford, 3pm Wednesday 25th July: Blandford Townswomen's Guild meeting, United Reformed Church Hall, 2.15pm Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th July: Dorset Opera Festival, Coade Hall, Bryanston. Il Trovatore, Suor Angelica and La Carosse du SaintSacrement, box office 01202 499199 Friday 27th July: Opening ceremony of London Olympic Games live on the Big Screen, Durweston village hall Sunday 29th July: Olympic Games sailing events open Weymouth & Portland